Top 5 Flooring Fixes to Instantly Improve Your Senior Dog’s Traction

As our dogs age, they move a little slower, nap a little longer and sometimes slip more than they used to. For senior dogs especially, smooth or slippery flooring like hardwood, laminate or tile can turn a cozy home into a bit of a hazard. Those adorable shuffle steps might be a sign your dog is working harder than they should just to stay upright.

The good news? You don’t need to rip out your flooring or turn your living room into a carpet jungle. With just a few clever changes, you can give your older pup the grip they need to move safely and confidently through your home. Here are our top 5 flooring fixes to boost traction fast and keep your senior pup feeling more confident on their feet.

1. Add Area Rugs or Runners with Non-Slip Backing

A classic solution, but still one of the best. Strategically placed rugs can instantly reduce slips in high-traffic areas like hallways, around food bowls or near doorways. The trick? Make sure they don’t become their own tripping hazard.

Tips to get it right:

• Choose rugs with rubber backing or add a non-slip rug pad underneath

• Opt for low-pile rugs—shag and fringe can catch paws or nails

• Washable rugs are ideal for pups with occasional accidents or dribbles

If you’re unsure where to start, follow your dog’s path through the house. The routes they take most often are the ones to rug up first.

2. Try Anti-Slip Socks or Paw Grips

Sometimes, the simplest fix doesn’t involve the floor at all, it starts at the paw. If your senior pup is slipping no matter what’s underfoot, it may be time for a wearable solution.

Steady Paws offers two gentle but effective options:

• Anti-Slip Paw Grips: These flexible, easy-to-apply grips stick directly to your dog’s paw pads. They’re a discreet way to improve traction while still letting your dog go barefoot indoors.

• Anti-Slip Dog Socks: Cozy, cute and functional, these socks come with silicon grip to help prevent slips on tile or wood. Plus, they’re perfect for dogs who need a little warmth or joint support too.

Both are designed to move with your dog, not against them, and they’re lick-safe and vet-approved.

3. Install Stair Treads for Better Grip Going Up (and Down)

Stairs can be scary for older dogs, especially if they’ve got arthritis or vision changes. But that doesn’t mean they have to be off-limits. Adding anti-slip stair treads is an instant upgrade that can boost your pup’s confidence on every step.

Steady Paws Anti-Slip Stair Treads are:

• Designed with paw-friendly texture for real traction

• Clear and discreet, so you can retain the look of your stairs

• Easy to install and remove—no damage to your hardwood

Even if your dog isn’t using the stairs often, consider stair treads as a preventative measure. One slip can cause injury and hesitation that sticks around long after the stumble.

4. Use Non-Slip Mats in “Slippery Zones”

Certain spots in your home tend to be slicker than others. Think: right in front of the food and water bowls, the door to the backyard or your favorite lounging area with tile or laminate. These “slip zones” are great candidates for targeted traction fixes.

Solutions to try:

• Foam puzzle mats (like the kind used in home gyms or playrooms)

• Silicone feeding mats under bowls

• Anti-fatigue kitchen mats with rubber backing

Keep these mats low-profile to avoid creating bumps your dog could trip over. The goal is grip without obstacles.

5. Clean and Maintain Floors with Traction in Mind

Yes, even the cleanest floors can be the slipperiest. Some cleaning products leave behind residues that are super slick under paw. And natural wear over time can polish hardwood or tile to a mirror-like shine.

Traction-friendly cleaning tips:

• Avoid wax-based or oil-enhanced floor cleaners

• Use microfiber mops instead of sponge heads (they clean without over-polishing)

• Consider adding a floor grip treatment—a safe surface coating that adds subtle texture

And don’t forget the paws themselves. Trimming long paw fur and keeping nails short helps your dog make better contact with the floor.

Traction Makes a Big Difference

Helping your senior dog stay upright might not seem like a big deal at first, but it’s one of the kindest things you can do for their quality of life. Slipping doesn’t just cause injury—it can chip away at your dog’s confidence and independence.

Start small. Add a rug here, a stair tread there. Try a pair of anti-slip socks or grips and see how they respond. With each little change, you’re not just improving their traction—you’re giving your dog a safer, more comfortable way to enjoy their golden years.

And if you’re ready to make that first step? Explore the full Steady Paws range, all made with senior dogs in mind.